Conflict-Free Confidence

The story behind your diamond begins long before you see it sparkle. Because it's as important to us as it is to you, we're committed to ensuring that our diamonds are conflict-free. We purchase them only from sources we know and trust – which means your diamond will make you feel as good as it looks.

Our Conflict-Free Diamond Sourcing Policy

Michael hill purchases our diamonds and diamond jewellery from legitimate sources. All diamonds are purchased under the Kimberley Process which was instigated in 2003 to help combat the trade in conflict diamonds.

The Kimberly Process ensures that rough diamonds are:

Exported and imported with a government-validated Kimberly Process certificate stating the diamonds are conflict-free.

Transported between signatory countries in a sealed and tamper-proof container.

Sold with a statement (warranty) from the seller on all invoices guaranteeing that the diamonds being sold are conflict-free.

This same warranty or guarantee also appear on the invoices from all suppliers of polished diamonds and finished diamond jewellery.

Michael Hill communicates our policy on complete avoidance of Conflict Diamonds to all our trading partners by sharing our Code of Conduct for Suppliers and emphasizing to our trading partners that these are non-negotiable terms of trade.

We also ensure that all documentation from our trading partners reflect their commitment to avoid trade in Conflict Diamonds.

Our Conflict-Free Gold Sourcing Policy

Michael Hill sources its gold from legitimate sources. All gold is supplied to Michael Hill new and free from impurities. It is the policy of Michael Hill that:

Gold provided by Suppliers must be natural and untreated.

Gold purchased/procured must be from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict with United Nation Resolutions.

Gold provided by Suppliers must not have originated from the Marange region of Zimbabwe and the Supplier has received a similar assurance of non-Marange region from the seller from whom the Supplier has obtained the gold.

Responsible Jewellery Council

Michael Hill believes that outstanding business performance must be supported by the highest standards of corporate behaviour towards our employees, customers and other stakeholders.

Michael Hill recently applied for, and has been granted, commercial membership of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC).

As a RJC member Michael Hill is committed to and is independently audited against the RJC Code of Practices - an international standard on responsible business practices for diamonds, gold and platinum group metals. The Code of Practices addresses human rights, labour rights, environmental impacts, mining practices, product disclosure and many more important topics in the jewellery supply chain. Michael Hill is also committed to responsible sourcing and supply chain due diligence.

Michael Hill endeavours to work together with the co-operation of our Suppliers, material vendors, indirect goods and service providers, consultants, contract manufacturers and anyone else who may provide a product or service to Michael Hill, based on mutual trust and respect.

Michael Hill's Responsible Jewellery Council Policy

Michael Hill International Limited owns the brands 'Michael Hill' and 'Emma and Roe' and operates a retail jewellery chain.

We have over 300 Michael Hill and Emma and Roe stores in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States and employ over 2,500 personnel as at June 2016.

Michael Hill International Limited is a Member of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). The RJC is a standards-setting organisation that has been established to advance responsible ethical, human rights, social and environmental practices throughout the diamond, gold and platinum group metals jewellery supply chain.

The RJC has developed a benchmark standard for the jewellery supply chain and credible mechanisms for verifying responsible business practices through third party auditing.

As an RJC Member, we commit to operating our business in accordance with the RJC Code of Practices. We commit to integrating ethical, human rights, social and environmental considerations into our day-to-day operations, business planning activities and decision making processes.

Expectations from Suppliers

The minimum standards expected of our Suppliers is set out in the Company's Code of Conduct for Suppliers. Michael Hill expects its Supplies to adhere to the relevant rules, laws and regulations which apply to their respective businesses and endeavour to exceed both international best practices and best practices in the jewellery industry. Michael Hill's Suppliers are required to adhere to the following and take full responsibility for the Supplier's deliveries and those of its sub-contractors:

a) The Supplier is committed to:

(i) complying fully with:

a. all national laws and regulations which apply in the country in which the Supplier is headquartered and any production sites (including any of those of its own sub-contractors/suppliers or partners)

b. all national and international laws which restrict and/or prohibit hazardous substances in countries in which Michael Hill sells its products

c. any Michael Hill policies or regulations which apply and to which the Supplier has agreed to or which are communicated to and agreed upon between Michael Hill and the Supplier at any time

b) Countering bribery and corruption and will not tolerate bribery, facilitation payments or money laundering and will abstain from any business related to terrorist or armed activity. No form of corruption or bribery, or other illegal practices will be tolerated in the implementation of a business relationship.

c) Respecting fundamental human rights and treating the work force fairly and with respect based on the following principles:

(i) Human rights are respected

(ii) No forced labour

(iii) No child labour

(iv) No discrimination or harassment

(v) Humane treatment

(vi) Working hours are not extensive

(vii) Fair compensation

(viii) Collective bargaining and freedom of association

(ix) Health and safety

(x) Grievance process

d) Environmental impacts

Suppliers are to continuously aim to improve energy efficiency across its worksites and minimise waste and emissions to air, land and water to the best of its ability and treat all chemicals and any hazardous waste in an environmentally safe manner. Any toxic substances which may be harmful to the environment must be disposed of in accordance with applicable laws and regulations governing the use of and handling of such substances. Where possible, products are to be recycled and reused.

e) Ensure that the Supplier's employees, agents and sub-contractors abide by the Company's Code of Conduct for Suppliers.

f) Michael Hill expects Suppliers to have high ethical standards in their business practices and encourages Suppliers to continually improve their workplace conditions and reach and maintain the standards established by the Company's Code of Conduct for Suppliers.

g) Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing

Michael Hill is committed to prevent the use of our operations for money laundering or any activity, which facilitates money laundering, or the funding of terrorist or criminal activities. Accordingly, Michael Hill complies with all the applicable laws and regulations designed to combat money laundering activity and terrorist financing connected to the government in the regions in which Michael Hill operates and all international laws that may apply.

Product Disclosure

Michael Hill is committed to frank and honest dealings with all our stakeholders through making truthful, materially significant and unambiguous disclosures regarding product characteristics and material details.

Our sales and marketing documentation will contain truthful descriptions of material and product characteristics e.g. gold, silver and platinum fineness will be indicated, use of treated diamonds or simulants such as Cubic Zirconia will be clearly mentioned.

Descriptions will be conspicuous, easy to understand and unambiguous. Material characteristics will be described in terminology that is clear and easy to understand for a customer. International standards such as GIA diamond grading terminology will be used for diamonds.

Quality Control

Michael Hill's quality control on its products is certified and meets the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System. ISO 9001 is one of the world's most widely recognised Quality Management Systems and helps organisations met the expectations and needs of customers, amongst other benefits. Through meeting this internationally recognised standard, the Company is continually monitoring and managing quality across its operations and maintains consistent performance and service.

Michael Hill Quality Control Department ensures the conformity and integrity of all finished jewellery products from suppliers and for all finished jewellery product held in Michael Hill retail outlets. The Quality Control Department is committed to supporting and complying with requirements, continually improving the effectiveness of the Quality Management System and communicating these requirements throughout the organisation.